Not every builder we feature works on motorcycles for a living?for many, it’s a hobby or a sideline business. But we’ve never come across someone with as many hobbies as Gian Maria Traversone.
Gian works as a building contractor, but also runs GMT Atelier?a workshop on the beach in the tropical paradise of Guanacaste, Costa Rica in Central America. With the help of his crew Esteban and Robinson, he restores classic cars and builds custom bikes. It’s also where he race preps his Lancia Delta S4 for vintage rallies. Yip, Gian’s a rally driver too…and a pilot.

That last pastime provided creative direction for GMT Atelier’s latest motorcycle?this aviation-inspired 1982 Moto Guzzi Le Mans. It’s Gian’s personal bike, and it’s loaded with clever and unique touches. We’ve seen some ghastly aviation-inspired bikes over the years, but this one’s particularly well executed. GMT Atelier even tailor-made new bodywork for the Le Mans, designing it to taper off in the same way that a plane’s fuselage does.

The tank’s a aluminum affair, while the fairing and tail section were shaped using fiberglass. The subframe’s been trimmed and cleaned up for a more compact rear. And that worn-in look on the seat is actual wear and tear?Gian had it upholstered with leather from an old jacket.
There’s a new set of shocks out back, but the forks, wheels and brakes are all stock. Gian’s tweaked the steeri...